Photographer's Note

Professional funeral singers are performers who are paid to present the eulogy at funerals and lament the newly departed through their angst ridden and energetic performances. This shot was taken during a session between the performer and Canadian artist, Ed Pien, who was conducting some video research into the occupation and custom for possible use in future work. One of Ed's major pre-occupations as an artist is working with ideas and images of ghosts.

The singers belong to an ancient profession but now in Chongqing and Chengdu, the singers and their special bands have, developed into a professional, competitive market.

This performance was truly remarkable for the power of the emotions which were brought to fill the space we were filming in.

interesting note - this tradition is still vivid in Italy, in some regions of Southern Italy, and as far as I know it goes back to the Romans (when there was indeed already a market for it).
the low point of view is a perspective I almost never get to use, although I like it very much for its slight distortion of proportions. it highlights even better the gesture and the expression of the performer here. the high-key tonal range creates a strong spiritual, emotional mood, where light dominates the atmosphere.
c.

A strong, dramatic effect emphasized by the POV. An imposing body attitude abandoned in emotions. A beautiful light and a simplicity of composition that goes well with the subject. Congratulations.
Regards
Marine